The Defense and Confirmation of the Gospel - Phil. 1:7
PAUL’S RIGHT THINKING ABOUT THE BRETHREN -AEven as it meet for me@ dikaion - righteous, observing divine laws, in a wide sense, upright, virtuous, keeping the commands of God, innocent, faultless, guiltless.
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 1 Cor 13:7-8
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 1 Thess 1:2-3
But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. Heb 6:9
Ato think this of you all@ - fronein - Pres Act Inf - it is right or a righteous thing for me to think, care, feel, regard. This speaks of the action of a person constantly having his mind directed in a practical way, in the good interest of someone else. Paul would think of them constantly and pray for each of them. His actions were always for their benefit, and he was constantly thinking of ways to enhance their spiritual lives. Cf. 1:25; 4:1
PAUL=S LOVE FOR THEM A because I have you in my heart@ - This phrase could be understood in one of two ways in the text: I have you in my heart, You have me in your heart
Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 2 Cor 3:2
I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. 2 Cor 7:3
PAUL=S SACRIFICE AND EXAMPLE FOR THEM - Ainasmuch as both in my bonds...@ Paul sacrificed time, money, effort, and his life for theses believers, and they appreciated it. His example to them helped to direct their lives - he had proven his love. In captivity, as a prisoner, hindered, suffering - yet he was faithful to God and to them! cf. 1:12-14; 1:29-30
PAUL=S GREAT RESPONSIBILITY - Aand in the defence and confirmation of the gospel@ - cf. 1:17 - Paul literally says, we are in this together! How were the Philippians involved in this defence and confirmation? Their faithfulness to Paul allowed Paul to minister - they were part of his ministry.
Adefense@/ apologia / Greek legal or judicial term, as in a lawyer pleading a case, verbal action which has been initiated by a strong belief. His desire was to win the lost to Christ by apologetics and the gospel!
And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Acts 16:23-25
Withal praying also for us,
that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ,
for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
Col. 4:3-4
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy... Acts 20:23-24
And for me, that utterance may
be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of
the gospel... that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Eph 6:19-20
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 2 Tim 1:8
Aconfirmation@ bebauwsei - establish, make sure, be stable The presentation of the Gospel in power. How is the Gospel confirmed? By witnessing for Christ, prayer life, love for the Lord and His Word, true humility and service, and our personal testimony and character before a lost world, courage and fortitude under persecution or duress.
PAUL=S MOTIVATION Aye are all partakers of my grace@ - Apartakers@ (sugkoinwnouV) joint participation and cooperation in some activity. You have the same grace as Paul. Lit. AYe are partakers with me of this grace@ - Because, their lives were changed by God=s grace, Paul knew that many others would have their lives changed by the same grace.
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Heb 3:1
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 1 Peter 5:1
The continued grace of God should be seen in all their lives. What will we do with this grace that God has given to us?